novellhall Chapter 212 Why didn't Chen Xun come? [5000]
Chapter 212 Why didn't Chen Xun come? [5000]
Chapter 212 Why didn't Chen Xun come? [5000]
The stock market opened the next day.
Warner's stock price rebounded briefly before declining rapidly, closing steadily in the $61 range.
The internet was flooded with angry comments.
Many people saw Warner Bros. stock rise when Chen Xun left the Nolan film crew and bought shares at high prices, just to take advantage of racial benefits.
Unexpectedly, the stock price has been falling for the past few days, and I'm watching my money dwindle. I'm cursing Warner every day.
Warner's senior management meeting room.
The atmosphere was clearly not as relaxed as before.
Previously, they could explain the stock market decline as cyclical, but now those explanations are clearly no longer satisfactory to investors.
The vice president, who always kept his hair perfectly combed, looked rather unpleasant.
"The market is clearly not responding to the positive news we recently released."
The strategic consultant adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and carefully crafted his words: "Announcing the title and lead actors, as part of the routine project development, has failed to effectively offset the previous negative narrative. Investors seem to be waiting for a strategic signal that can turn around the brand image."
"What good news are you waiting for?"
The vice president's sudden outburst, his voice hoarse from consecutive sleepless nights, said, "We've announced the title of Nolan's film, we've announced Matthew McConaughey's involvement—isn't that clear enough? This is practically one of the strongest creative combinations we could muster!"
The senior director in charge of public relations cleared his throat and said cautiously, "Sir, there may be some discrepancies between external perceptions and our internal assessments. On social media and in some investor communities, the focus of discussion is not on how good the new lead actor is, but on the rationality of the replacement itself and the resulting doubts about the stability of our decision-making."
The meeting room fell silent for a few seconds after these words were spoken.
Another executive muttered under his breath, "Are we supposed to hold a global press conference to apologize for a routine casting change?"
'
"Perhaps we need a much bigger piece of good news to completely shift the focus and drown out all the noise."
The PR director hesitated for a moment: "A trump card that will excite both movie fans and investors."
All eyes, intentionally or unintentionally, turned to Nolan, who was sitting at the other end of the long table and hadn't said much.
Nolan was drawing something in his notebook, seemingly indifferent to the debate.
Only when he felt the light focusing on him did he slowly raise his head, his face expressionless.
"Movies need a sense of mystery, and they also need to create anticipation at appropriate times."
His voice was steady: "We do have one important cast member that hasn't been announced yet."
A few days later, Warner's official account suddenly posted a short tweet in the evening.
"Exploring the unknown, traversing the stars, welcome Matt Damon to Interstellar."
2
The accompanying image is a concept art piece that is very much in Nolan's style:
Against a starry backdrop, a blurry silhouette of an astronaut is shown, with the handwritten words "Dr. Mann" next to him.
Matt Damon!
The brilliant screenwriter and actor of "Good Will Hunting", the soul of the "Bourne" series, and one of Hollywood's most bankable and popular stars!
His addition means that the cast of "Interstellar" has been upgraded from Nolan + Oscar winner to a dream combination of Nolan + Oscar winner + top star.
A celebration for movie fans.
"Matt! My Bourne!"
"This lineup is absolutely amazing!"
"Nolan really did have a backup plan!"
Financial media followed up: "Can the star effect boost Warner's stock price?"
"Matt Damon's involvement may give Interstellar a shot in the arm."
Even netizens who previously made jokes about it have changed their attitude: "I accept this level of attention!"
"Matt Damon is undeniably great news."
"Warner finally did something smart, he knew how to use magic to defeat magic."
the next day.
After the market opened, Warner Bros.' stock ended its several-day decline and began to rise slightly.
Trading volume increased and the battle between bulls and bears was fierce, but in the end, the market held onto its small gains at the close.
The stock price settled at $62.5.
The downward trend was abruptly halted.
London, on the set of Fast & Furious 6.
During a break, Jordana Brewster handed her phone to Chen Xun and said, "Wow, Matt Damon, Warner Bros.' rescue efforts have been quite costly."
Chen Xun looked at Matt Damon's name in the news photo.
He was not surprised by this.
He also trained with Matt while in Iceland.
Not to mention that he still has memories of this past life in his mind.
Paul patted him on the shoulder: "Things are temporarily stable now, but it's also quite ironic that after going around in circles, we still have to rely on a bigger star to solve the problem."
"The rules of Hollywood have never changed."
Vin Diesel walked over unnoticed, still sweating from a monologue: "They use celebrities to solve problems caused by celebrities. But—"
He looked at Chen Xun: "This may not be a bad thing for you. The more glamorous their new story becomes, the more foolish it will seem to be that they abandoned you back then."
Director Justin Lin also came over, holding a storyboard for the next scene: "What are you all talking about? Never mind that."
"Chen Xun, get ready, the scenes this afternoon are very important."
Chen Xun put away his phone and stood up: "Understood, Director!"
This is the main event.
Chen Xun plays Chen Zhen, who needs to drive a modified sports car and complete a series of high-speed evasive maneuvers, drifts, and sudden stops in a simulated narrow city alleyway setting, finally precisely blocking the path of the target vehicle.
The stunt driver has already demonstrated it twice; the requirements for the maneuvers are almost demanding.
"Chen, are you sure you don't need a stunt double?"
Before filming began, the stunt coordinator made a final check: "Those consecutive curves followed by drifts, if the rhythm is off, it's easy to crash."
Chen Xun fastened his helmet and checked his gloves: "I'll try it first, and you guys can go if it doesn't work."
He got into the driver's seat and took a deep breath.
The "Street Vehicle Offense and Defense Instinct" indicator on the panel was glowing faintly.
"Action!"
The engine roared.
Chen Xun stepped on the gas, and the car shot forward.
On the first bend, he turned the steering wheel decisively, and the car narrowly missed the obstacle.
The screeching sound of tires rubbing against the ground irritated my eardrums.
On the second and third curves, his movements became increasingly fluid, as if he wasn't following a pre-set route, but rather the car became an extension of his limbs, navigating by instinct.
[Driving Instinct +3]
Spatial Awareness +5
[Transform stress into focus +4]
He could feel the skill orbs being absorbed the moment they appeared, transforming into more stable hands and a calmer mind.
For the last high-difficulty drift maneuver, he made a slight adjustment to the angle just before entering the corner. The line was more dangerous than the one demonstrated by the stunt driver, but the result was cleaner and more precise, and the stopping position was exactly as expected.
"Cut! Oh my god————"
Director Justin Lin's voice came through the walkie-talkie, pausing briefly before continuing, "This take is perfect! Chen, how did you come up with that minor adjustment?"
Chen Xun took off his helmet; his hair was already soaked with sweat. He grinned.
[Character credibility +65]
[Upgraded Character Credibility]
When he looked at the camera again, the decisiveness of an Interpol team leader and the oppressive aura hidden beneath his calmness were revealed naturally, almost without any preamble.
Chen Xun became increasingly adept at it.
-
The afternoon scene was an emotional outburst.
After learning that an informant had been killed due to a leak of information, Chen Zhen was alone in an empty safe house.
There are no lines, only facial expressions and body language. The performance must convey the entire process from shock and self-blame to overwhelming anger, and finally the forced suppression of everything and a return to cold rationality.
The camera zooms in, focusing on Chen Xun's face.
"Action!"
His eyes went unfocused for a moment, as if he hadn't understood the bad news.
His pupils then contracted slightly, and his jawline tightened—it was pain he was trying his best to suppress.
Then, the veins on his forehead throbbed slightly, flames seemed to burst forth from his eyes, his fists were clenched tightly, and his whole body trembled slightly with anger.
Chen Xun closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, only resolute determination remained.
He slowly loosened his fist, picked up the file on the table, his movements frighteningly steady.
The entire set was completely silent.
Even the staff holding the microphone boom forgot to move.
"Cut!"
Justin Lin's voice was filled with unbelievable excitement: "Holy shit! Chen, you ate the camera! That sense of depth! God—"
Several actors who were standing close by, such as Jordana and Sung Kang, were staring in a daze.
Vin Diesel stood behind the monitor with his arms crossed, and whispered to Paul beside him, "Did you see that? Chen Xun seemed to be completely immersed in the role just now. It felt like he was an Interpol agent all along."
[Emotional Level Control +8]
[Visual impact +6]
[Character's conviction +35]
Chen Xun slowly pulled himself out of that immersive state, feeling as if he had just completed a high-intensity mental marathon.
Exhausted, but thoroughly satisfied.
He took the water Gail handed him and drank half the bottle in one gulp.
"Chen, what you just did gave me goosebumps."
Gail looked at Chen Xun, her eyes sparkling.
Chen Xun smiled but didn't say anything.
He himself felt that this shoot was different from any other one.
It's not just about the skill proficiency brought about by the system's attribute enhancements; it's more like an instinct that bursts forth after a deep resonance with the character.
Filming in London is nearing its end in this efficient and high-quality manner.
Chen Xun became a source of reassurance on set; shots featuring him usually met the director's requirements quickly, and sometimes even exceeded expectations.
Justin Lin was beaming with excitement.
The global roadshow for "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" did not get off to a smooth start.
Lionsgate did not invite Chen Xun, who had been kicked out of Nolan's film crew, to the premiere in order to avoid his appearance affecting the box office in the North American market.
Chen Xun was happy to have some peace and quiet.
It's perfect that I can focus on filming on the set of "Fast & Furious 6".
To be honest, Chen Xun really didn't want to participate in the roadshow since it didn't pay him and the attribute orbs dropped from it were decreasing.
First stop: New York.
The theater wasn't full.
The Q&A session was even more awkward.
Reporters, microphones in hand, asked questions that almost universally revolved around Chen Xun: "Jennifer, Chen Xun didn't participate in the promotional tour this time. Was it because his role was cut?"
"Was Gopeta's role reduced in the movie? Did you guys abandon this romantic storyline?"
"There are rumors that Lionsgate is worried that Chen Xun's current public image will affect the North American box office, so they are deliberately downplaying his publicity. Is this true?"
Jennifer stood on the stage, maintaining a professional smile, but the corners of her mouth were already a little stiff.
In the first part, when Chen Xun was present, there was absolutely no need for him to be so stiff.
With just a few warm-up jokes from Chen Xun, plus his own popularity, he could easily handle these reporters.
They can even artificially create a few explosive moments.
She glanced at the producer next to her, who quickly chimed in: "Chen Xun is an actor we value highly. His performance in the film is outstanding. However, due to scheduling conflicts, he is currently filming another important project in London and cannot participate in this promotional tour. His scenes are presented exactly as written in the script, without any cuts."
That's a very official way of putting it.
But the reporters and fans below clearly didn't buy it.
On social media, some people have already started complaining: "Without Chen Xun, the roadshow feels like it's missing its soul."
"Lionsgate's move is a bit baffling. Why aren't they using the popularity of their own movie's pairings? What are they afraid of?"
The situation didn't improve much when we reached several stops in Europe.
-
London Station.
Some fans even held up signs that read, in both Chinese and English, "We need Chen Xun!"
The situation put the organizers in an awkward position.
More fans went to Chen Xun's film set to watch the filming, resulting in a surprisingly quiet scene with very little fan interaction.
They finally managed to get a few fans to stand up and ask questions, but they immediately started spouting anti-fan remarks, almost verbally abusing the people on stage.
What really worries them is the Chinese premiere.
A group of people arrived nervously at the first stop of their roadshow in China:
Magic City.
The airport was packed with fans, but at least half of the light boards they held and the slogans they chanted were about Chen Xun.
Upon arriving at the cinema's press conference, the atmosphere suddenly became subtle.
The host tried to steer the conversation toward the film itself and Jennifer's performance, but when it came to the fan Q&A session, the first girl chosen held the microphone, her voice trembling slightly: "I want to ask, why can't Chen Xun come to participate in the promotional tour in China? Many of our fans came to see this movie because of him."
A chorus of agreement erupted from the crowd.
The head of Lionsgate China started sweating and quickly explained the scheduling issue.
Next, the second person selected was a young man, whose question was even more pointed: "I understand the scheduling conflict, but I'd like to know, in Lionsgate's promotional materials in North America and other regions, is there any intention to downplay Chen Xun's presence?"
"Because he's recently received some unfair treatment in Hollywood, are you afraid of being implicated?"
A buzz of discussion immediately arose from the audience.
There were also sporadic shouts: "Respect Chinese actors!"
"Please treat Chen Xun fairly!"
The press conference ended abruptly in an awkward atmosphere, without even completing the normal procedures.
What caught Lionsgate off guard was the rapid escalation of the online backlash.
On Weibo, #ChenXunAbsentFromTheHungerGames2# and #LionsgateTreatsTheDifferentShots# became trending topics.
Chen Xun's fan club released a statement questioning Lionsgate's selective neglect in its promotional strategy and calling on the film's producers to give the co-stars basic respect.
Some emotionally charged fans even began calling for a boycott of the film.
#Don't watch The Hunger Games 2#
"Those who don't respect Chinese actors don't deserve to earn money in the Chinese market!"
"Get out of here if you're a hypocrite!"
Across the Pacific Ocean, Lionsgate's top management held an emergency video conference.
"The situation in Shanghai is terrible."
The president of the China region turned pale: "Fans are emotionally agitated, and negative topics have already garnered over 100 million views. If not handled properly, this could severely impact box office revenue and even trigger a wider boycott."
The head of the North American marketing department frowned:
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"Our initial assessment was that Chen Xun's recent controversies might negatively impact his reputation among family audiences in the North American market, so focusing the promotion on Jennifer and the original work was a safe bet. However, we did not expect the reaction from the Chinese market to be so strong."
"Now is not the time to analyze the decisions made back then."
The CEO rubbed his temples: "We need a solution!"
There was a few seconds of silence in the meeting room.
The publicity director tentatively suggested, "Perhaps we could urgently invite Chen Xun to join the subsequent China roadshow? Even just one or two stops, a symbolic appearance, would greatly appease the emotions of Chinese fans. His box office appeal has already been proven in the Chinese market."
The proposal was quickly endorsed by the majority.
The one who tied the knot must untie it.
Since the problem arose from Chen Xun's absence, let's invite him back.
This appears to be the lowest-cost crisis communication approach.
"Contact his agent immediately!"
The CEO made the decision: "Express our sincerity, coordinate the schedule, and we can discuss the salary and other terms."
London, on the set of Fast & Furious 6.
Chen Xun had just finished filming a night scene, removed his makeup, and was reading tomorrow's script in the trailer.
The phone rang.
It's Robert.
"Lionsgate's phone call."
Rob got straight to the point: "They were quite humble, saying there was a misunderstanding during the China roadshow and they hoped you could participate in the upcoming stops in Beijing and Guangzhou to clear the name of the film and repay the love of Chinese fans. The cost is negotiable, and they will fully cooperate with the schedule."
Chen Xun did not answer immediately after hearing this.
He walked to the small window of the trailer and looked at the lights of the film crew outside, who were still wrapping up their night shoot.
"Rob, I remember the global roadshow plan for 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' was set up a long time ago, right?"
"Yes, it was arranged a long time ago. The schedules for North America, Europe, and Asia were sent to the actors' teams months ago."
"Which sites were included in the official invitation I received?"
Rob paused for a moment on the other end of the phone: "The initial invitation was for all major events, but after your situation with Warner came out, they sent a revised version, saying that considering your schedule might be tight, they suggested that you only participate in some European events, and the North American and Asian events could be adjusted accordingly."
"In the final confirmation letter they sent, which stops did they invite me to participate in?"
"0 stops!"
Rob's voice turned serious: "They finally said that after comprehensive evaluation, they've decided that this promotional tour will focus on the lead actress Jennifer, and your participation is not needed for the time being—"
"So isn't it a bit much to ask me to come over and exploit my fans now?!"
Chen Xun chuckled twice.
"Typical Hollywood scheming!"
Rob scoffed, "You take the risks, but he wants the profits. North America is afraid you'll affect the box office, so they won't include you. Now that they realize they can't function without you in China, they want to invite you again. They're dreaming!"
"Tell them I'm very grateful for the invitation from Lionsgate and the Hunger Games crew, but—"
Chen Xun walked back to the sofa and sat down, his tone straightforward: "I am currently in London, fully immersed in the filming of 'Fast & Furious 6'. Director Justin Lin and Universal Pictures have given me tremendous trust and support. The filming schedule is very tight, and as a professional actor, I must be responsible for my current crew and cannot leave."
"I'm not someone you can summon and dismiss at will. If you want respect, you must first learn how to respect others!"